Death Notice: Joseph E. Morahan, Jr.

Arlington Heights Post (IL)

Joseph E. Morahan Jr. passed away peacefully in Stuart, Florida on September 3, 2021 at the age of 91.

Joe was born on August 17, 1930 in Yonkers, New York to Joseph E. Morahan Sr. and Dorothy (Wright) Morahan. Joe was preceded in his death by his beloved wife Lois Ann (Connolly) Morahan. He is survived by his seven children - Joe (Judy) Morahan, Pat (Angelo) Bufalino, Craig Morahan, Erin (Mike) Hughes, Noel (Frank) Verducci, JS Morahan, and Lois (Phil) Sheridan; 19 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Joe graduated from Iona Prep in New Rochelle, N.Y. where he was a three sport star in basketball, baseball, & track. During grade school, Joe met the love of his life, Lois Ann Connolly Morahan. They were married on May 12, 1951 and were together 66 years until Lois passed away on Christmas Day 2017.

Joe began his career in insurance, where he was an accountant at X/S Underwriters, a subsidiary of Kemper Insurance Company in Chicago. A stellar career followed as he finished college at night obtaining a degree from De Paul University. By the time he left X/S Underwriters to start his own company, Joe had become President of the firm.

In August 1970, Joe and Dave Shand formed Shand, Morahan & Company, a firm dedicated to underwriting specialty professional liability risks in the United States. With a reputation for excellence in their field, integrity, responsiveness and creativity, they soon became the leading underwriter of lawyers professional liability.

In 1975, Shand, Morahan was acquired by Alexander & Alexander. Joe remained with the organization, operating independently from the parent organization. Joe became CEO and Chairman and later took a major role with the parent company, Alexander & Alexander. Joe originated large meaningful reinsurance relationships with Japanese insurers in the mid 1970's. These types of relationships did not exist between American & Japanese firms at this time. He retired in 1985, at age 55.

Joe and Lois moved to Stuart, Florida from Bannockburn, Illinois in 1987. They traveled the world extensively, and at some point, noted that they had visited nearly 75 countries. Often playing golf with Lois, Joe played golf in all 50 states & over 31 countries.

Joe was devoted to Lois and his family. He was a faith filled man, whose life revolved around his large family. He loved playing golf, being with family and traveling the world.

Joe demonstrated that ambition, hard work, passion and a reputation for honesty were essential to personal success in life. From very humble beginnings to his last days, Joe embodied this code of honor.

Joe's passing is truly the end of a remarkable era. He will be missed. A Mass in celebration of Joe's life will be held at the Church of St. Mary, Lake Forest, Illinois on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 10:30 am. Interment will be private. Info: Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest (847) 234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com Morahan, Jr. , Joseph E.

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This is a paid death notice.